DRINK!

Spirited send-offs to 2008

December 28, 2008|By Joe Gray, TRIBUNE STAFF REPORTER

The drink of choice for New Year's past and present, of course, is a joyously bubbly glass of Champagne. Better if someone else is paying -- and buying vintage. But if you want something different, something distinctive, you could do worse than one of the many spirited new liquors on the market. We've gathered three here to try in cocktails or on the rocks.

Vodka with a twist

Crop Harvest Earth aims to stand out in the crowded vodka market with an artisanal organic product. It comes standard, but also flavored with tomato or cucumber. We found the basic clean and with no burn on the finish, but the infused versions boasted true flavors. The cucumber also had a hint of pepper and saltiness, while the tomato reminded tasters of V-8, in a good way. Either would make an interesting flavor component for a Bloody Mary. $26 for 750-milliliter bottle (40 percent alcohol) at DiCarlo Fine Wines & Spirits, 425 Townline Rd., Mundelein.

Ginger and spice

We've tasted ginger-infused vodkas handmade in Chicago bars, but never a commercial liqueur spiked with the aromatic spice. Indeed, the French makers of Domaine de Canton boast that it's the first. The beautiful Deco-influenced bottle, when opened, reveals a heady aroma. The flavor, straight up, is like liquified crystallized ginger: spicy, tangy and just a bit sweet. Serve this on the rocks, in a ginger martini or just chilled as a post-dinner sipper instead of dessert. $32 for a 750-milliliter bottle (28 percent alcohol) at Sam's Wines & Spirits stores and $35 at Binny's Beverage Depot stores.

Here's rye in your eye

Riding the rye whiskey comeback, (ri)1 (pronounced "rye one") hails from Kentucky. Produced by Deerfield-based Beam Global Spirits & Wine, it's sold in an eye-catching minimalist bottle that emphasizes the amber-colored spirit. It has classic rye flavor with a faint caramel note. Great in a Manhattan or with a little water. $45 for a 750-milliliter bottle (46 percent alcohol) at some Binny's Beverage Depot stores.